Willowmere Breeze Lace Cardigan Free Pattern – Knit an Airy Spring Layer

Wrap yourself in the delicate elegance of the Willowmere Breeze Lace Cardigan, a light and airy knit that captures the softness of spring mornings. This open-front design features a cascading leaf lace pattern that flows from the shoulders to the hem, perfect for layering over dresses or simple tees. The relaxed silhouette and breathable cotton yarn make it an ideal transitional piece for cool evenings and mild days. Whether you're a seasoned lace knitter or ready to try your first openwork project, this pattern offers a rewarding challenge with stunning results.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approx. 900–1100 yards for sizes S–L). A soft sage green or any pastel shade beautifully showcases the lace pattern.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch or longer for magic loop or small circumference work.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking mats and pins.
• Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked. Always knit a swatch and block it before measuring to ensure correct sizing.

Understanding the Leaf Lace Pattern

The heart of this cardigan is the beautiful Leaf Lace Pattern, a 12-row repeat that creates cascading openwork leaves. The pattern is worked over a multiple of 8 + 1 stitches. Take time to familiarize yourself with the abbreviations and the special stitch pattern before casting on.

Abbreviations

CO = cast on, K = knit, P = purl, yo = yarn over, k2tog = knit two together, ssk = slip slip knit, pm = place marker, sm = slip marker, BO = bind off, RS = right side, WS = wrong side

Special Stitch: Leaf Lace Pattern (multiple of 8 + 1)

Row 1 (RS): K1, *yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
Row 3: K2, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 7 sts, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2.
Row 4: Purl all stitches.
Row 5: K3, *yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k5; repeat from * to last 6 sts, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k3.
Row 6: Purl all stitches.
Row 7: K1, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k3; repeat from * to end.
Row 8: Purl all stitches.
Row 9: K2, *k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k2.
Row 10: Purl all stitches.
Row 11: K3, *k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk; repeat from * to last 6 sts, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk, k3.
Row 12: Purl all stitches.
Repeat rows 1–12 for pattern.

Pro tip: Place a stitch marker after every pattern repeat to help you keep track of your place, especially when working the decreases and yarn overs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cardigan is worked in five pieces: back panel, left front panel, right front panel, and two sleeves. The pieces are then seamed and finished with a simple garter stitch edging. Sizes are given as S (M, L) with finished bust measurements of 36 (40, 44) inches.

Back Panel

CO 88 (96, 104) sts. Work in Leaf Lace Pattern until piece measures 12 (13, 14) inches from CO, ending with a WS row. Place a marker at each edge to denote armhole start. Continue in pattern until piece measures 20 (21, 22) inches from CO. BO all stitches loosely.

Left Front Panel

CO 44 (48, 52) sts. Work in Leaf Lace Pattern for 12 (13, 14) inches, ending with a WS row. Place marker at armhole edge. Continue in pattern until piece measures 18 (19, 20) inches from CO.

Shape neck: At neck edge (beginning of RS rows), BO 6 sts once, then BO 3 sts once, then BO 2 sts once, then decrease 1 st every RS row 3 times. Work even until piece measures 20 (21, 22) inches. BO remaining shoulder sts.

Right Front Panel

Work as for left front, but mirror shaping (neck shaping at end of RS rows). This means you will work the neck decreases at the end of RS rows instead of the beginning.

Sleeves (make 2)

CO 40 (44, 48) sts. Work in Leaf Lace Pattern, increasing 1 st at each edge every 6th row 10 (12, 14) times. To increase, work a lifted increase or a yarn over followed by a knit on the next row to maintain the pattern integrity. Continue even until sleeve measures 16 (17, 18) inches from CO. BO all stitches loosely.

Finishing

Block all pieces to measurements using your preferred blocking method. For lace, pin out the edges to open up the pattern and allow the stitches to relax. Allow to dry completely before seaming.

Sew shoulder seams using a mattress stitch for a seamless finish. Sew sleeve seams, then set in sleeves, matching markers to armhole markers. Sew side seams from the armhole markers down to the hem.

Edging

With RS facing, pick up and knit stitches evenly along entire front opening and neckline. The number of stitches will vary based on your gauge and size; aim for approximately 3 stitches for every 4 rows along vertical edges and 1 stitch for every bound-off stitch along horizontal edges. Work 4 rows of garter stitch (knit every row). BO loosely. Weave in all ends. Block again gently to even out the edging.

Tips for Success

• Count your stitches regularly: Lace patterns are forgiving but require attention. Count after each pattern repeat to catch mistakes early.
• Use lifelines: Thread a contrasting scrap yarn through the stitches after completing a full pattern repeat. If you make a mistake, you can easily rip back to the lifeline without losing your work.
• Block generously: Lace truly shines after blocking. Don't be afraid to stretch the fabric to open up the leaf motifs and create that airy, romantic look.
• Choose the right yarn: Cotton or cotton-blend yarns hold their shape well and show stitch definition beautifully. A lighter color will make the lace pattern more visible.

The Willowmere Breeze Lace Cardigan is a beautiful addition to any spring wardrobe. The open-front design makes it versatile and easy to wear, while the leaf lace pattern adds a touch of feminine romance. With careful attention to the pattern and a bit of patience, you'll create a stunning handmade garment that you'll reach for season after season. Happy knitting!